The Sikh community was left outraged after pictures of Instagram influencer Archana Makwana performing yoga at Sri Darbar Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple Amritsar, went viral. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has filed a police complaint against Makwana and taken action against three employees for allowing her to perform yoga on the morning of June 21, which is observed as International Day of Yoga. SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami appealed to the Sikh community to respect the sanctity of the holy place and to remember that people from all religions and countries come to pay their respects at the Golden Temple. An inquiry committee has been constituted by the SGPC to question the employees responsible for dereliction of duty.
Outrage Erupts at Golden Temple Yoga Incident: Sikh Community Demands Respect
The Sikh community has expressed outrage over an incident where an Instagram influencer, Archana Makwana, was seen performing yoga at the revered Golden Temple in Amritsar. The act has been deemed highly disrespectful and has sparked a wave of anger and condemnation.
Background:
The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib, is the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts countless pilgrims and tourists from around the world. The temple's sanctity and spiritual significance are paramount for Sikhs.
The Incident:
On June 21, 2022, which is observed as International Day of Yoga, Makwana posted pictures and videos of herself performing yoga on the sacred marble platform of the Golden Temple. The incident sparked immediate outrage among Sikhs, who condemned it as a blatant disregard for the sanctity of their holy place.
Reaction from Sikh Authorities:
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the body responsible for managing Sikh shrines, has taken swift action against those involved. A police complaint has been filed against Makwana, and three SGPC employees have been suspended for allowing her to perform yoga.
SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami has appealed to the Sikh community to maintain the dignity and reverence of the Golden Temple. He emphasized that the shrine is a place of worship and not for personal or commercial exploitation.
Inquiry and Consequences:
An inquiry committee has been constituted by the SGPC to investigate the incident and determine how Makwana was allowed to perform yoga inside the temple. Further disciplinary action is likely to be taken against those found responsible.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
Q1: Why is the incident so offensive to Sikhs? A1: The Golden Temple is a sacred place of worship for Sikhs, and any act that is perceived as disrespectful or exploitative is met with strong disapproval. Performing yoga on the temple platform is seen as a violation of its sanctity and a disregard for Sikh beliefs.
Q2: What is the SGPC's role in this matter? A2: The SGPC is responsible for the management and upkeep of Sikh shrines, including the Golden Temple. It has the authority to take disciplinary action against individuals or employees who violate the temple's rules and regulations.
Q3: What are the possible consequences for Makwana? A3: Makwana could face criminal charges and may also be banned from visiting the Golden Temple in the future. The SGPC has indicated that it will pursue all legal avenues to ensure that the sanctity of the temple is protected.
Q4: Have similar incidents occurred in the past? A4: There have been isolated incidents in the past where individuals have attempted to perform yoga or other inappropriate activities at the Golden Temple. However, this incident has drawn widespread attention and sparked significant outrage due to the influencer's social media presence.
Q5: What is the Sikh community's message to visitors? A5: The Sikh community welcomes all visitors to the Golden Temple with respect and expects them to adhere to the temple's rules and traditions. They emphasize that the shrine is a place of peace, worship, and reflection, and it should be treated with the utmost reverence.
The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has released the results for the Class 10 Private/Bi-Annual examinations conducted in August and September 2024. Out of the 50,935 students who appeared for the exam, only 34.69% were able to pass. There are concerns over the declining advertising revenues and the challenges faced by the media in Kashmir in covering the conflict situation in an unbiased manner.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has announced new sanctions aimed at Russia's "shadow" oil tanker fleet, which is used to transport goods banned under Western sanctions. Despite a history of strained relations, the move comes as the Ukrainian government actively targets Russian assets and individuals who support the country's actions in the ongoing conflict. The sanctions are part of a larger effort to increase pressure on Russia and hold them accountable for their role in the war.
A Royal Bengal Tiger was recently spotted in a forest range in the Odisha district of Ganjam, sparking concern among residents. However, the Divisional Forest Officer has assured that the tiger poses no danger to humans as it is confined to the deep forest. The forest officials are closely monitoring the movement of the tiger and have deployed 24 teams and installed camera traps. The tiger did attack and kill six animals in nearby villages, but fortunately, no human has been harmed.
US President-elect Donald Trump made a major announcement by choosing Congressman Mike Waltz as his National Security Advisor for his second term. This decision will ensure continued bipartisan support and further strengthen the India-US relationship. Both Waltz and Indian-American Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna have a shared commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Their past collaborations include a joint letter to the House Speaker inviting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a joint address to the US Congress and their efforts to rush medical supplies to India during the peak of the COVID-19 crisis.
A video of an Indian woman's interaction with Japan's Nara deer has captured the hearts of viewers online. The footage shows the woman greeting the deer with a traditional bow, and the animals responding by mimicking the gesture. The video quickly went viral, showcasing the friendly and polite nature of Japan's iconic deer.
In a fierce encounter between the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Kuki militants in Manipur, 11 suspected rebels were shot dead while two CRPF jawans were injured. The injured jawan has been airlifted to a hospital for treatment. The tense situation in the district has led to the imposition of an indefinite curfew by the district magistrate. There are concerns about missing civilians, with officials suspecting that they may have been abducted by the militants.
Security forces in Manipur's Jiribam district successfully countered an attack launched by suspected Kuki insurgents on a police station and nearby settlement. The encounter resulted in 10 deaths of the insurgents and one injured CRPF jawan. The security forces recovered weapons such as RPGs and AK assault rifles and have continued operations to flush out any remaining militants in the area. This attack has led to tensions in the region, with Kuki civil society groups announcing a shutdown in certain areas to mourn the deaths of the militants.
Indian journalist Rana Ayyub, known for her fearless investigative reporting on government corruption and communal violence, will be receiving the International Press Freedom Award alongside Palestinian journalist Samar Abu Elouf. Ayyub has faced physical threats and legal action from the Indian government for her work, but continues to prioritize speaking the truth and fighting against self-censorship. She believes that the journalists on the ground in Gaza are the real heroes, fighting against doubt and adversity to report on the truth.
In a deadly attack on Saturday, a suicide bomber detonated explosives at Quetta Railway Station in Pakistan, killing at least 25 people and injuring 50. The blast occurred when passengers were waiting on the platform to board a train, causing widespread panic and chaos. The Balochistan Liberation Army has claimed responsibility for the attack, and Pakistan is facing a surge in terror attacks in recent years.
Qatar has pulled out of its crucial role as a mediator in the ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel in Gaza, citing a lack of progress and a lack of willingness from both parties. The move comes after months of failed attempts to reach a peaceful resolution to the conflict, with Qatar, along with Egypt and the US, leading the efforts. However, Washington has reportedly urged Qatar to expel Hamas leaders from Doha, claiming that the group's political office no longer serves a purpose in the negotiations. This decision marks a significant shift in Qatar's diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.